Potomac Real Estate

The Potomac real estate landscape consists of some of the most affluent suburbs of Washington, D.C. located approximately 15 miles from the city and 10 miles from Bethesda MD. Potomac is renowned as horse country with its many equestrian activities and organizations. Many people buy houses in Potomac, Maryland because of its history of rising property values, beautiful older neighborhoods and the many magnificent Potomac mansions and estate communities. This prestigious community boasts a large concentration of million dollar plus properties on larger lots than found in many communities. Potomac real estate is prime for investors and people looking for a country-estate type of lifestyle in a close-in community.

Potomac is a small town rich in heritage and community values characterized by rolling green hills, premier custom homes, lush golf courses, and an abundance of recreational opportunities. In the late 1920's, horse lovers began flocking to Potomac when Washington's fox hunters were looking for an escape from their growing city in order to pursue their sport. The "Potomac Hunt" was established in the early 1940's, and the Potomac Polo Club begun in 1957 is still active today.

So this summer escape for Washington's elite in time developed into a year round home for them. The settlement of Potomac has brought commerce, recreation, schools, jobs, and a thriving community. For horse lovers Potomac is still an ideal place to live - horses have been a tradition in this area since the early 1900s.

According to the 2000 census, 20854 (Potomac's ZIP code) is one of the most affluent zip codes in the United States based on per capita income. Not only is Potomac among the wealthiest suburbs in the Washington, D.C., it is by far the wealthiest town in the state of Maryland. Contributing to the demand for housing in Potomac is its proximity to the northwestern boundary of Washington, D.C. Many professionals and diplomats purchase Potomac real estate and commute to Washington to work. 

The renowned Congressional Country Club was established in 1924 and while the clubhouse is technically located in Bethesda, Congressional and its history has always been an integral part of Potomac. Congressional Country Club is known all over the country for its beautiful landscaped grounds and gorgeous clubhouse along with its illustrious golf course.

The geographical focal point of Potomac is Potomac Village, a small cluster of upscale shops and businesses at the intersection of Falls and River Roads.

Potomac Neighborhoods

Potomac Towne - The neighborhood within the Potomac Village hub of River and Falls Roads. This is the original neighborhood of Potomac, from which all the subdivisions emerged.

Falconhurst - The Falconhurst subdivision is home to many large and stately homes. Most of the homes in Falconhurst were built in the 1970s and 1980s. Falconhurst contains Bentcross Drive, which is one of the most visibly wealthy streets in Potomac. Owners of homes on Bentcross Drive include many prominent CEO's, diplomats and professional athletes.

Potomac Falls - Developed by Washington-area developer W.C. & A.N. Miller in the 1960s, Potomac Falls is one of Potomac's first subdivisions and one of its most established and prestigious neighborhoods. Unlike other neighborhoods of Potomac which are known for mansions with interesting architecture, Potomac Falls is generally considered relatively subdued. There are many notable residents including government, media and entertainment peprsonalities.

Avenel - Avenel is a master-planned community developed in the 1980s on the site of a large farm not far from Potomac Village. It is a golf course community of expensive single-family homes and townhomes built around TPC at Avenel, a private golf club operated by the PGA Tour.

Bradley Farms - Bradley Farms is one of Potomac's oldest neighborhoods and certainly one of its visible and most exclusive. Bradley Farms consists of many large estate built in the 1940's (many set back quite far from the street) which line River Road in its approach into Potomac Village from Bethesda; the neighborhood also extends behind River Road and is bounded by Persimmon Tree Road on the south and west. Congressional Country Club forms the neighborhood's eastern boundary. Traditionally, some of the Washington area's most expensive home sales have occurred in Bradley Farms, which consists not only of the homes on River Road but also of the grand, older homes which line Durham Drive, Fox Meadow Lane, Bronson Drive and Congressional Parkway. Unlike Falconhurst, which lies just off of River Road to the west, the homes in Bradley Farms are strictly traditional and, while large, not typically ostentatious.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shrive are among some of the more famous residents of the Bradley Farms area in a large compound on the north side of River Road, just west of Bradley Boulevard. The Shriver home, however, is well hidden from the road. 

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